Chelsea ‘reach agreement in principle with Inter Milan’ over Romelu Lukaku’s loan spell’

Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Inter Milan over Romelu Lukaku‘s return to Serie A next season. 

According to The Athletic, Inter Milan will pay €8million plus add-ons to secure the services of Lukaku on a temporary basis ahead of the 2022-2023 campaign. 

The Belgium international is expected to undergo a medical next week before returning to the San Siro on loan next season.  

The Belgian striker has not hidden his desire to move back to Serie A after a poor season with Chelsea, in which he scored just 15 goals in 44 appearances.

It emerged in Italy that Lukaku took the lead in pushing through the comeback, bypassing even his agent Federico Pastorello by picking up the phone to Inzaghi over two months ago.

It’s said the call took place at 8.30am on April 5 and, after wishing the coach a happy 46th birthday, Lukaku reportedly asked: ‘Mister, what can I do to return to Inter?’

The conversation came the day before Chelsea played their crunch Champions League quarter-final, first leg against Real Madrid.

They lost the match 3-1, with Karim Benzema scoring a stunning hat-trick, and Lukaku wasted one of Chelsea’s best opportunities on the night as he headed wide when well placed.

More to follow…